July 27, 2013

For those who haven’t experienced Tour de Fat, it is a thrilling rite of passage that includes an unparalleled costumed bicycle parade, New Belgium beer, eccentric entertainment, local food, unusual bike contests and much more. The free event, which raises money for local nonprofits through beer and merchandise purchases, will soon exceed the $2 million mark for total funds raised.

Join us in Loring Park on July 27th!

Bike Parade Registration: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Bike Parade: 11 a.m.

Beer, bikes, food, live music, games, puppets, more! 12 Noon - 5 p.m.

The event is free to attend, but all proceeds from purchases and donations will go towards helping local cycling nonprofits, including the Midtown Greenway Coalition.

The day opens with a massive bicycle parade that bobs and weaves through city streets; all are welcome and imaginative costumes are encouraged. For the remainder of the afternoon, the stages light up with wild and exciting acts, while the park becomes a celebration like none you have seen.

The pinnacle of Tour de Fat is the ceremonious car-for-bike swap. One person will become the center of the show as he or she gets up on stage, hands over their car keys and pledges to live car-free for at least one year. Each car-for-bike swapper will choose a local bike shop to help turn a $2,250 budget into an ultimate car-replacement commuter bike.

The will also be lots of fun activities for kids of all ages, who can ride colorful bikes, eat delicious local food, relax in the grass, and participate in games and activities such as a ‘Thousand Person Dance Contest.”

Another new crowd pleaser will be the Lips of Faith tent. Everyone 21 and older can sample new and specially curated beer selections from the acclaimed Lips of Faith series.

Other tents and attractions include the Le Tigre Tent, Port-a-oke, Bike Pit, and Slow Ride. New this year will be puppet shows just for the kids.